Maharashtra Ganeshotsav 2026 competition goes global with 432 entries from state; Thane leads with 52

The Maharashtra governments Ganeshotsav 2026 competition has received 432 entries from across the state with Thane district recording the highest number of applications at 52 The competition has also gone global this year with entries received from five countries for the newly introduced international category an official statement saidThane district recorded the highest number of applications with 52 Ganesh mandals applying for the competitionThe international category has also received entries from countries including Japan Sri Lanka Germany Nigeria and Singapore The participation from overseas is expected to give Maharashtras state festival a wider global identity officials saidThe competition is organised by the Maharashtra Kala Academy under the Department of Cultural AffairsThe competition which was expanded to the taluka level last year has been extended to the national and international levels for the first time this yearThe deadline for submitting applications for the national and international categories is September 25Participating mandals at these levels are required to submit photographs including geotagged images of their Ganeshotsav 2026 celebrations and related cultural activities conducted over the past year along with photographs of this years festivalApplications have already been received from several cities across India for the national categoryFocus on culture heritage and community initiativesThe state government has declared Ganeshotsav a state festival recognising its traditional and cultural importanceThe competition has undergone several changes since last year and participation by Ganesh mandals and registered organisations has been increasing each yearThe judging process will include visits by taluka and districtlevel committees Judges will assess participating mandals on several parameters including documentation yearround activities reports photographs and videosThe assessment will also cover cultural competitions preservation and promotion of cultural heritage facilities for devotees and activities for students women and senior citizensEcofriendly celebrations among key criteriaThe competition will also assess efforts towards environmentally friendly celebrationsThese include the use of ecofriendly Ganesh idols and decorations measures to reduce pollution and initiatives aimed at maintaining a clean environmentThe judging process will be conducted online with judges required to submit their assessments using geotagged photographs The system is intended to improve transparency and make monitoring of the competition more effectiveWinners to receive cash prizesCash prizes have been announced for winners at different levelsThe firstplace talukalevel winner will receive Rs 25000At the district level the first three winners will receive Rs 50000 Rs 40000 and Rs 30000 respectivelyFor the state national and international categories the top three winners will receive First prize Rs 75 lakh Second prize Rs 5 lakh Third prize Rs 25 lakhOnline Ganpati darshan portal to open on September 14A dedicated online portal for home and public Ganpati darshan will open from September 14The portal will allow public Ganesh mandals to offer free live darshan of their idols to devotees across the worldFamilies celebrating Ganeshotsav at home can also upload photographs of their Ganpati idols for people to view onlineCultural Affairs Minister appeals for participationMaharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Advocate Ashish Shelar has appealed to Ganesh mandals and citizens to participate enthusiastically in the various activities being organised as part of the state festivalThe expansion of the competition to national and international levels is expected to further promote Maharashtras Ganeshotsav traditions cultural heritage and community initiatives beyond the state